"IF WE come together, we can stamp out scams."
That's the pledge of the Grimsby And Cleethorpes Citizen's Advice Bureau which is calling for your support in its drive to Spot Scams To Stop Scams.
As part of the month-long campaign, staff at the Grimsby branch of the bureau are particularly keen to warn North East Lincolnshire residents of rogue traders preying on the elderly.
One of the latest cons known to be operating in the area is from firms contacting vulnerable older people offering to set up a trust deed to protect their properties being sold to pay for care fees.
Tony Gaskins, chief executive, Grimsby And Cleethorpes Citizens Advice Bureau, said: "People are seeing their money go down the drain as con artists rip them off.
"This month we are warning people to be on the look-out for rogues looking to make a quick buck at their expense and reminding that scams are crimes so it is vital they are reported."
He said other popular scams currently operating in the area included firms claiming victims had won a lottery, or even promising them a new job – in exchange for money in advance.
Others offer to do work on residents' homes, taking cash for work which is never completed.
His top tips for spotting a scam include:
The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue.
You've never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about.
You didn't buy a ticket – so can't win.
They are asking you to send money in advance.
They are saying you have to respond quickly, so you don't get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide.
They are telling you to keep it a secret.
They seem to be offering you something for nothing.
If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.
He also warned that scam artists will try a wide variety of ways to contact their victims.
He said: "Throughout the whole of May, the Citizens Advice bureaux and Trading Standards across England and Wales will be reminding people that scams come in all shapes and sizes, including adverts, people knocking on your door, e-mails, letters, phone calls, texts and over the internet.
And it's not just a local issue.
New national figures reveal over 22,000 reports of scams were made to the Citizens Advice service in England and Wales in the past 12 months.
However, the service is concerned that the true picture may be even worse, with many victims failing to report they have been conned.
If you think you have been conned, don't be too embarrassed to seek help.
Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others.
TIPS AND ADVICE TO STOP THE SCAMMERS TRADING Standards officers and Citizen's Advice service staff have offered the following tips on how to protect yourself from con artists. Never give out contact details, such as your name, phone number or address to strangers or to people who should have this information already. Never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to strangers or to the businesses that should already hold your details. Shred anything with your personal or bank details on – don't just throw it away. If in doubt, don't reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up. Don't be bullied by persuasive sales patter. If you're not interested in what they have to say, just say: "No thank you". Resist pressure to make a decision straight away. A legitimate firm will not have a problem with you calling them back when you have had time to think about their offer. Never send money to someone you don't know. Walk away from job adverts that ask for money in advance. Ask friends, neighbours or family about whether an offer is likely to be a scam before you commit to buying or send off any money.